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plate of Thai Basil Chicken with fried egg

Thai Basil Chicken


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Description

Pad Krapow Gai is a delightful and quick-to-make Thai dish featuring stir-fried chicken with garlic, chilies, and Thai basil leaves. It is typically served with rice and a fried egg, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. The dish is known for its bold and aromatic flavors, a hallmark of Thai street food.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb chicken breast or thigh, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3-5 Thai chilies, chopped (adjust to taste)
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 cup Thai basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 4 cups cooked jasmine rice
  • 4 fried eggs (optional)

Instructions

Instructions for Pad Krapow Gai

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

  • Slice the Chicken: Begin by thinly slicing 1 pound of chicken breast or thigh into bite-sized pieces. This ensures the chicken cooks quickly and evenly.
  • Chop the Vegetables: Mince 5 cloves of garlic and chop 3-5 Thai chilies, adjusting to your preferred spice level. Thinly slice 1 onion and 1 bell pepper. Prepare 1 cup of Thai basil leaves by removing the stems.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

  • Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Ensure the oil is hot enough to sizzle when the chicken is added.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

  • Stir-fry the Chicken: Add the thinly sliced chicken to the hot skillet. Stir-fry the chicken until it begins to brown, about 3-4 minutes. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked through but remains tender.

Step 4: Add Aromatics

  • Garlic and Chilies: Add the minced garlic and chopped chilies to the skillet. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and the chilies soften slightly.
  • Add Vegetables: Add the thinly sliced onion and bell pepper. Continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.

Step 5: Season and Simmer

  • Sauces: Stir in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon of fish sauce, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Mix well to ensure all the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauces.
  • Simmer: Add 1/4 cup of water to the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. The sauce should thicken slightly during this time.

Step 6: Add Basil 

  • Add Thai Basil: Turn off the heat and immediately stir in the 1 cup of Thai basil leaves. Mix until the basil leaves are wilted and well incorporated with the chicken and vegetables.
  • Serve:the Pad Krapow Gai over a bed of cooked jasmine rice. For an authentic touch, top each serving with a fried egg with a runny yolk.

Notes

Use Fresh Basil: Fresh Thai basil is crucial for achieving an authentic flavor. Its unique aroma and taste are irreplaceable, making your dish truly stand out. Always opt for fresh leaves rather than dried or substitute varieties.

Adjust Heat: Control the spiciness of your dish by adjusting the number of chilies. For a milder version, reduce the number of chilies or remove their seeds. If you prefer a spicier kick, add more chilies or keep the seeds intact.

Tender Chicken: For extra tenderness, marinate the chicken in soy sauce for at least 15-20 minutes before cooking. This step infuses the meat with flavor and helps it stay moist and tender during stir-frying.

Vegetable Variations: Don’t be afraid to add variety to your stir-fry. Incorporate other vegetables like green beans, mushrooms, or bell peppers. These additions not only enhance the nutritional value but also add different textures and flavors to your dish.

High Heat: Use high heat when stir-frying to achieve a quick and even cook. High heat helps to sear the ingredients, locking in their flavors and maintaining a crisp-tender texture. Make sure your wok or skillet is preheated before adding the oil to ensure the best results.

  • Prep Time: 15min
  • Cook Time: 15min
  • Category: Chicken
  • Method: Stir fry
  • Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1cup
  • Calories: 400g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 200mg